Sunday Reflections

In years past, my family has always said, "Let's not do Christmas this year; nobody has money to get gifts so lets just get together and not exchange presents" Yet, inevitably, every year on Christmas morning, under the tree there are several gifts for everyone in the family. Inevitably, everyone is running around and stressing about getting those last Christmas presents for those people who you can't figure out what the heck to get them. I was reminded today during the sermon that my mindset during the Christmas season is usually off. I am so busy trying to make sure that the house looks like Christmas, smells like Christmas, that all my grandmas and grandpas and moms and dads have gifts that are meaningful, to make sure that the gifts actually get out in the mail to those far away, to bake the seasonal cookies, to spend the day going to pick out the tree, and decorate the tree, oh and let's not forget all the parties that we have to attend! There is SO much that flutters around us during the Christmas season, but this year I want to remind myself not only to celebrate the season, but to really EXPERIENCE the season. And by that, I mean I want to spend more time reading the STORY of Jesus, and worshiping Him as much as I can. I want to make sure that all those grandmas and grandpas and moms and dads KNOW that they are loved by spending more time with them and telling them how much they are loved. This time is a special time of year (MS's favorite time!), and the reason for that is because of the amazing GIFT that was given to us by our Lord and Savior, the most amazing gift of all - his ONE AND ONLY son. It is the ultimate gift, and one that cannot and should not be overshadowed by decorations, gifts, and goodies.